Starting a hike by visiting a couple of cemeteries might not be unique to Hong Kong, but it is definitely something different....

Leaving the working class neighbourhood of Chai Wan, we make our way gently uphill past a few stone mason work shops to the French Mission and Roman Catholic cemeteries. You might be interested in comparing these with the Buddhist cemetery that we will pass a little later on our way to the trail head.

The concrete is substituted for a much more natural surface as we start walking on the shaded trail along the slopes of Mount Collinson and Wan Cham Shan. The trail starts out pretty level, but soon enough we find ourselves gaining altitude again to reach the actual "Dragon's Back" i.e. the mountain ridge that runs down the D'Aguilar Peninsula. From here, our trail will follow the ridge up and down offering stunning views over the Tathong Channel, Big Wave Bay and Shek O. You will also be looking down at the exclusive Shek O Country Club.

After a brief descent, we do a bit off a U-turn to follow a level contour path along the western side of The Dragon's Back. Looking out over Redhill Peninsula and Stanley, we have to cross our outwards path before joining a quiet concrete road taking us back briefly to the city side of Mount Collinson. Soon, however, we find ourselves looking across surfers riding the not-too-intimidating waves of Big Wave Bay.

As the walk ends on this lifeguard supervised beach, you might want to bring your swimwear and a towel. After a dip and/or refreshments, your next decision would then be whether to go to Shek O for an al-fresco lunch or to return to the city via the suburb of Shau Kei Wan....

Participants on all Hansen's Events' hikes and rides take part entirely at their own risk. By joining any of our events all participants are automatically seen to have agreed to have entered into a disclaimer which exonerates the outing leaders and the organizers from any personal or public responsibility whatsoever and for any claims, injuries or damages arising thereof.